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Paradesi Synagogue, Cochin (Kochi), India

Description

To serve the needs of a Jewish community in this area that had grown in numbers by the mid-sixteenth century, 1568 A.D., the Paradesi Synagogue was constructed in the Mattancherry area of Kochi (then called Cochin) [5]. The road that it was built on came to be known as Jew Street or Synagogue Lane, and the district as Jew Town [6]. The Rajah of Cochin generously allotted land to the Jews in Cochin da Cima, or Upper Cochin, next to his own Dutch Palace and an adjacent conical-shaped Hindu temple (its form unique to Kerala) built to serve his royal family [7]. This influx to the membership of the synagogue gave it the name Paradesi, or Foreigners’ Synagogue [8].

Interior Allure: Upon one’s entrance into the large main hall is the grand display of rare antique objects. The luminosity of the sun shines in this synagogue and reflects against the chandeliers and lamps, imitating the light from the heavens. The glass chandeliers belong to the 19th century and were imported from Belgium. The floor of the synagogue itself is a wonderful artwork, the floor is paved with hand-painted blue willow patterned floor tiles. The ceramic tiles were brought from China in the 18th century by Ezekiel Rahabi, a renowned Jewish businessman [9]. In their distinction, the design of these tiles remains a constant admiration of the visitors, many of whom wish to explore the careful setting of each tile individually. A valuable possession of the synagogue is the copper plate that belongs to the 4th century with inscriptions in Malayalam. In Kerala tradition, the synagogue is not made up only of the sanctuary but a complex of spaces featuring unique buildings containing a series of rooms linked or surrounded by outdoor spaces and covered places [10]. The result is a highly dramatic, memorable, and beautiful spatial experience.

Congregation of the Paradesi Synagogue: The Paradesi Synagogue had three classes of members namely White Jews or Paradesi Jews, who were the descendants of Sephardim from Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands, and were full members of the Jewish Synagogue [11]. The second were the Black Jews or Malabari Jews, comprising traders and craftsmen who were allowed only to pray and as such, however, were not admitted to full membership [12]. The third was Meshushim, who were a group of freed slaves, they had no communal rights and no synagogue of their own [13].

The City: Kochi (Cochin), an Indian coastal city once home to a vibrant Jewish community that had surpassed several thousand inhabitants, is well known for its seven elaborately designed synagogues and rich history as a popular route along the ancient spice trade that drew explorers from across the sea [14]. Kochi’s strong Jewish community was attributed to the many Jews who settled here from Yemen, Mesopotamia, and later from Spain and Portugal after the Spanish Inquisition [15]. However, as many Jews have left for Israel in the height of its economic prospects and location as a reestablished homeland for religious fulfillment, there has been a struggle to preserve the Jewish heritage, leaving behind its powerful synagogues as the voice of its community.

Kochi, India

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